First look: Peugeot 308 breaks cover

PICTURED here is the new Peugeot 308 – four months ahead of its official debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The 307 replacement may look like a revised version of the current car, but it is an all-new small car that is clearly styled along the lines of its recently released 207 light car sibling.

Using the same platform as the Citroen C4, the 308 will first appear in three-door and five-door hatchback models that will go on sale across Europe in the last quarter of this year.

Peugeot Australia managing director Rob Dommerson has told GoAuto that the 308 will make its first local appearance at the 2008 Melbourne International Motor Show next March.

Base engine will be the 90kW 1.6-litre petrol unit co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW Group, as seen in the new 207, while a range of diesel engines will carry over from the current model.

We can also expect to see the turbocharged 1.6-litre version installed in the 308.

In low-boost form (developing 110kW or power and 240Nm of torque), this engine powers the new 207 GT and the high-boost version is about to be launched in Australia in the GTi (with 18kW more power at 128kW, but the same 240Nm of torque).

A sporty 308 RC model powered by a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with almost 160kW on tap is tipped to join the line-up next year.

Before the end of 2008, a wagon variant will be released in Europe, along with a 308 CC (coupe/convertible) with a folding metal roof.

Reports from Europe suggest that a hybrid 308 is also under development – featuring an electric motor combined with an 80kW 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine, a paddle-shift semi-automatic transmission, a Toyota Prius-style regenerative braking system and a battery pack located under the boot in place of the spare wheel.

This will be Peugeot’s first hybrid and is slated for release late next year or early 2009.

Further down the road, word has it that Peugeot will build a new compact SUV based on the 308, driving the front wheels only.

These leaked official photos show a less gaping grille than the 307, but a more prominent jutting nose in the style of the 207.

The 308 is slightly longer (up 40mm to 4250mm) and lower than its predecessor.

The stylish interior is said to be a major step forward for Peugeot in terms of quality over the 307, with a 207-style dashboard, lots of soft-touch materials and improved legroom for the occupants.

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